Decreased Liver Weight Research Articles

Lactobacillus reuteri MJM60668 Prevent Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease through Anti-Adipogenesis and Anti-inflammatory Pathway.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NALFD) is a disease characterized by liver steatosis. The liver is a key organ involved in the metabolism of fat, protein, and carbohydrate, enzyme activation, and storage of glycogen, which is closely related to the intestine by the bidirectional relation of the gut-liver axis. Abnormal intestinal microbiota composition can affect energy metabolism and lipogenesis. In this experiment, we investigated the beneficial effect of Lactobacillus reuteri MJM60668 on lipid metabolism and lipogenesis. C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and orally administrated with MJM60668. Our results showed that mice treated with MJM60668 significantly decreased liver weight and liver/body weight ratio, without affecting food intake. Serum levels of ALT, AST, TG, TCHO, and IL-1β in mice fed with MJM60668 were decreased compared to the HFD group. Investigation of gene and protein expression on the lipogenesis and lipid metabolism showed that the expression of ACC, FAS, and SREBP was decreased, and PPARα and CPT was increased. Furthermore, an increase of adiponectin in serum was shown in our experiment. Moreover, serum IL-1β level was also significantly decreased in the treated mice. These results suggested that MJM60668 can strongly inhibit lipogenesis, enhance fatty acid oxidation, and suppress inflammation. Additionally, supplementation of MJM60668 increased the proportion of Akkermansiaceae and Lachnospiracea, confirming a potential improvement of gut microbiota, which is related to mucus barrier and decrease of triglycerides levels.

Effectiveness of using high-protein sunflower concentrate in pig feeding

The article studied the dependence of productive qualities and feed cost on the growth of pigs during rearing and fattening with partial (50 %) and complete (100 %) replacement of soybean meal with high-protein protein concentrate “Proglot” in the diet. It was established that the use of partial and complete replacement of soybean meal with high-protein sunflower concentrate in the rearing of piglets led to a decrease in the growing intensity of piglets by 0.87 % with partial and 4.95 % with total replacement. And as a result of a decrease in live weight by 0.3 % at the end of the growing period with a partial and by 1.2 % with a complete replacement of soybean products with sunflower in the starter compound feed. At the same time, feed conversion turned out to be the best in the group of animals that partially replaced soybean meal with high-protein sunflower concentrate – 2.30 kg, which is 1.41 % better than in animals that consumed soybean meal in the starter feed and by 5.37 % compared to animals in which this meal was completely replaced by high-protein sunflower concentrate. Replacing soybean meal with high-protein sunflower concentrate made it possible to reduce the cost of 1 kg of feed by 2.24 % when it was partially replaced and by 4.57 % when it was replaced entirely. The feed cost of 1 kg of growth in piglets that consumed feed with a partial replacement of soybean meal with high-protein sunflower concentrate decreased by 3.64 % and by 3.47 % in animals that completely replaced soybean meal with this product. Animals whose diet was replaced entirely with soybean meal by high-protein sunflower concentrate had the lowest feed cost per head. According to this indicator, they outnumbered peers with partial replacement by 3.83 % and 4.33 %, where such replacement was not done. Animals whose diet was replaced entirely with soybean meal by high-protein sunflower concentrate had the lowest feed cost per head for the entire experiment period. According to this indicator, they were 3.14 % better than their peers, partially replaced by 5.25 %. It was not carried out. The index of fattening qualities of pigs was the highest in pigs with partial replacement of soybean meal with high-protein sunflower concentrate, 31.2 points. In contrast, in animals with the complete replacement, it was 9.75 % lower, and by 2.74 %, and in analogs with such replacement was not conducted. A clear tendency to increase the intensity of growth of piglets was established with the combined use (50/50 %) of soybean meal and high-protein sunflower concentrate. However, the use of only high-protein sunflower concentrate probably reduces this indicator. It was determined that replacing soybean meal with high-protein protein concentrate “Proglot” reduces the cost of feed and, as a result, the cost of feed per unit of growth and per head of pigs after fattening.

Biomarkers of growth and carbohydrate metabolism in neonatal rats supplemented with fish oil and/or antioxidants during intermittent hypoxia

ObjectiveExtremely low gestational age neonates (ELGANs) experience frequent intermittent hypoxia (IH) episodes during therapeutic oxygen. ELGANs exhibit poor postnatal growth requiring lipid supplementation. Lipids are targets of reactive oxygen species resulting in lipid peroxidation and cell death, particularly in preterm infants with compromised antioxidant systems. We tested the hypothesis that early supplementation with lipids and/or antioxidants promotes growth and influences biomarkers of carbohydrate metabolism in neonatal rats exposed to IH. DesignNewborn rats (n = 18/group) were exposed to brief hypoxia (12% O2) during hyperoxia (50% O2), or room air (RA), from birth (P0) to P14 during which they received daily oral supplementation with: 1) fish oil; 2) Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in olive oil; 3) glutathione nanoparticles (nGSH); 4) fish oil+CoQ10; or 5) olive oil. At P21, plasma samples were assessed for glucose, insulin, glucokinase (GCK), glucagon, glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1, growth hormone (GH), corticosterone, and ghrelin. Liver was assessed for histopathology, apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling, TUNEL stain), and GH, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, GH binding protein (GHBP), and IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3. ResultsNeonatal IH resulted in decreased liver weight and liver/body weight ratios, as well as hepatocyte swelling, steatosis, and apoptosis, which were attenuated with fish oil, nGSH, and combined fish oil+CoQ10. IH also decreased plasma glucose, insulin, GCK, and ghrelin, but increased GLP-1. All treatments improved plasma glucose in IH, but insulin was higher with CoQ10 and nGSH only. Glucagon was increased with CoQ10, fish oil, and CoQ10 + fish oil, while corticosterone was higher with nGSH and CoQ10 + fish oil. IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were significantly higher in the liver with CoQ10 in IH, while deficits in GH were noted with CoQ10 and fish oil in RA and IH. Treatment with nGSH and combined CoQ10 + fish oil reduced IGF-I in RA and IH but increased IGFBP-3. ConclusionsNeonatal IH impairs liver growth with significant hepatocyte damage. Of all supplements in IH, nGSH and combined fish oil+CoQ10 were most effective for preserving liver growth and carbohydrate metabolism. Data suggest that these supplements may improve poor postnatal organ and body growth; and metabolic dysfunction associated with neonatal IH.

Gnotobiotic mice housing conditions critically influence the phenotype associated with transfer of faecal microbiota in a context of obesity

ObjectiveFaecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in germ-free (GF) mice is a common approach to study the causal role of the gut microbiota in metabolic diseases. Lack of consideration of housing conditions...

Reversal of NAFLD After VSG Is Independent of Weight-Loss but RYGB Offers More Efficacy When Maintained on a High-Fat Diet.

Bariatric surgery is emerging as an effective treatment for obesity and the metabolic syndrome. Recently, we demonstrated that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), but not vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), resulted in improvements to white adipose physiology and enhanced brown adipose functioning. Since beneficial alterations to liver health are also expected after bariatric surgery, comparing the post-operative effects of RYGB and VSG on liver physiology is essential to their application in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The effects of RYGB and VSG on liver physiology were compared using diet induced mouse model of obesity. High-fat diet (HFD) was administered for 12weeks after surgery and alterations to liver physiology were assessed. Both RYGB and VSG showed decreased liver weight as well as reductions to hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride levels. There were demonstrable improvements to NAFLD activity score (NAS) and fibrosis stage scoring after both surgeries. In RYGB, these beneficial changes to liver function resulted from the downregulation of pro-fibrotic and upregulation anti-fibrotic genes, as well as increased fatty acid oxidation and bile acid flux. For VSG, though similar alterations were observed, they were less potent. However, VSG did significantly downregulate pro-fibrotic genes and showed increased glycogen content paralleled by decreased glycogenolysis which may have contributed to the resolution of NAFLD. RYGB and VSG improve liver physiology and function, but RYGB is more efficacious. Resolutions of NAFLD in RYGB and VSG are achieved through different processes, independent of weight loss.

Dapagliflozin improves steatohepatitis in diabetic rats via inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation

Type-2 diabetes mellitus and NAFLD are considered as one of the greatest worldwide metabolic disorders with growing incidence. It was found that patients with T2DM have two-fold increase to develop NAFLD. Evidence that some antidiabetic agents improve NAFLD/NASH in patients with T2DM is evolving. However, there are no certain pharmacologic therapies. The current study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms for the hepatoprotective effect of dapagliflozin against steatohepatitis in diabetic rats. Type-2 diabetes was induced by HFD followed by a single dose of STZ (30 mg/kg I.P). Fifty rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: Group1; normal control, Group 2; diabetic control, Groups (3–5); diabetic rats received daily dapagliflozin (0.75, 1.5, 3 mg/kg, p.o.) respectively for 6 weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood glucose level and serum insulin were measured. Hepatic tissue homogenization was performed for measuring inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. In addition, histopathological investigation of the hepatic tissue was done. Diabetic rats exhibited remarkable increase in liver weight and liver enzymes, along with histopathological changes, significant elevation in MDA, IL-1 β, TGFβ levels and, NF-κB, alpha-SMA expressions. Dapagliflozin treatment decreased liver weight, liver enzymes, together with marked improvement in histopathological changes. Furthermore, dapagliflozin increased antioxidant enzymes, GSH levels. Interestingly, Dapagliflozin reduced IL-1 β, TGFβ levels and, NF-κB, alpha-SMA expressions. Present data show that dapagliflozin represent a viable approach to protect the liver against diabetes-encouraged steatohepatitis through inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis progression thus conserving liver function.

THE IMPACT OF DIFFERENCES IN SLAUGHTERING TIME ON OFFALS OF BROILER CHICKEN MAINTAINED WITH A CLOSED HOUSE SYSTEM


 
 
 This study aims to determine the impact of the difference in cutting time on the weight of offals (internal offals and external offals). The study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with three treatments and six replica- tions. The treatments were: Slaughter on the first day (W1), slaughter on the second day (W2) and slaughter on the third day (W3). The results of the study were that broiler chickens reared in a closed house system and slaughtered on the second and third days experienced a decrease in internal offals weight in the liver by 8.50 – 18.91% and on internal fat 36.74 – 60.77% (P<0.05). The difference in slaughter time did not cause a decrease in internal offal weight in the heart, intestines and gallbladder weight (P>0.05). External offals on the neck there was a weight loss of 4.01 – 8.04% as a result of the difference in slaughter time of 2 – 3 days (P<0.05). The difference in slaughter time had no impact on head weight and foot weight (P>0.05). The conclusion of this study is that the difference in slaughter time of 1-3 days causes a decrease in liver weight and internal fat (internal offals) and a decrease in neck weight (eksternal offals).
 
 

Studying the Liver Function in Male Neonates of Rats Born to Sertraline-Treated Mothers

<p>Sertraline is an antidepressant which has toxic effects on the liver. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Sertraline administration in pregnancy on liver function of male neonates of rats. Twenty-five pregnant female Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 5.<strong> </strong>The control group did not receive any drug treatments, but experimental (Exp) groups 1, 2 and 3 received 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg Sertraline as gavage throughout the pregnancy, respectively. Twenty-two days after birth, male rats were divided into 4 groups of 10 based on the previous division and after weighing, by taking blood directly from the heart, serum levels of Alanine transaminase (Alt), Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alkaline phosphatase (Alp), Albumin (Alb), Total protein (TP), and Bilirubin (Bili) were measured and the liver tissue was also analyzed histopathologically after weighing. In Exp groups, a significant decrease in body weight, TP and Alb serum levels were observed compared to the control group (p<0.05). In Exp group 3, a significant decrease in liver weight was observed compared to the control group (p˂0.05). In Exp groups 2 and 3, a significant increase in serum levels of Alp, Alt and Bili in was observed compared to the control group (p˂0.05). A significant increase in AST serum level was observed in Exp groups compared to the control group (p˂0.05). Liver tissue destruction was observed in all 3 Exp groups. The administration of Sertraline in pregnant female rats causes liver damage and increases liver enzymes and blood biochemical parameters in their male offspring.</p>

Pathway Preferential Estrogens Prevent Hepatosteatosis Due to Ovariectomy and High-Fat Diets.

About 20–30% of premenopausal women have metabolic syndrome, and the number is almost double in postmenopausal women, and these women have an increased risk of hepatosteatosis. Postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome are often treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), but estrogens in currently available HRTs increase the risk of breast and endometrial cancers and Cardiovascular Disease. Therefore, there is a critical need to find safer alternatives to HRT to improve postmenopausal metabolic health. Pathway preferential estrogen 1 (PaPE-1) is a novel estrogen receptor ligand that has been shown to favorably affect metabolic tissues without adverse effects on reproductive tissues. In this study, we have examined the effects of PaPE-1 on metabolic health, in particular, examining its effects on the liver transcriptome and on plasma metabolites in two different mouse models: diet-induced obesity (DIO) and leptin-deficient (ob/ob) mice. PaPE-1 significantly decreased liver weight and lipid accumulation in both DIO and ob/ob models and lowered the expression of genes associated with fatty acid metabolism and collagen deposition. In addition, PaPE-1 significantly increased the expression of mitochondrial genes, particularly ones associated with the electron transport chain, suggesting an increase in energy expenditure. Integrated pathway analysis using transcriptomics and metabolomics data showed that PaPE-1 treatment lowered inflammation, collagen deposition, and pathways regulating fatty acid metabolism and increased metabolites associated with glutathione metabolism. Overall, our findings support a beneficial metabolic role for PaPE-1 and suggest that PaPE-1 may protect postmenopausal women from fatty liver disease without increasing reproductive cancer risk.

A novel therapeutic approach to NASH: Both polyethylene glycol 3350 and lactulose reduce hepatic inflammation in C57BL/6J mice.

The gut-liver axis is one of the most emphasized topics in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Intestinal microbiota dysbiosis has been shown to be a predictor of disease severity and progression to fatty liver disease. Therefore, research addressing gut-based therapies has become popular. To investigate the effect of lactulose and polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350) in mice with induced obesity and NAFLD at a non-diarrheal dose. Thirty-six C57BL/6J male mice were divided into 6 groups. The first 2 groups (n = 6 each) were used as an induced obesity model (group A) and NAFLD model (group B) for 8 weeks. The remaining 24 animals were categorized into control diet group, high-fat diet (HFD) group, HFD + lactulose group, and HFD + PEG 3350 group. Serum and liver tissue samples were obtained for biochemical and histopathological analyses, respectively. The HFD + lactulose treatment group displayed a significant decrease in liver weight (1.3 (1.3-1.4) kg compared to 1.8 (1.6-1.9) kg) and NAFLD activity score (NAS) (1.5 (1.0-3.0) compared to 5.0 (4.0-5.0), respectively; p = 0.0043, p = 0.0021) when compared with the HFD group. However, a decrease in body weight (35.0 (34.6-36.0) kg compared to 40.9 (34.7-41.9) kg) and hepatosteatosis (HS) rate (33.3% compared to 100.0%) were not statistically significant (p = 0.1796, p = 0.0606, respectively). The HFD + PEG 3350 treatment group showed a statistically significant decrease in body weight (32.4 (30.2-33.9) kg compared to 40.9 (34.7-41.9) kg), liver weight (1.5 (1.3-1.5) kg compared to 1.8 (1.6-1.9) kg), HS rate (16.7% compared to 100.0%) and NAS (0.5 (0.0-1.0) compared to 5.0 (4.0-5.0); p = 0.0086, p = 0.0086, p = 0.0151, and p = 0.0021, respectively) when compared with the HFD group. We demonstrated that non-diarrheal dose of lactulose and PEG 3350 reduced hepatic inflammation in mice with induced NAFLD. It was also observed that PEG 3350 decreased HS and body weight. We believe these mechanisms can be utilized as novel therapeutic approaches in NAFLD in prospective human studies.

Hepatotoxic Effect of Lafoensia pacari A. St. Hil. (Lythraceae) on a Diet-Induced Obese Mice Model.

Brazilian flora is rich in plants with medicinal properties, which though popular, has contributed to the development of a range of phytotherapic products that use plants to treat and cure diseases. However, studies that use Brazilian plants in the treatment of metabolic disorders are still scarce in the literature. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of hepatotoxicity Lafoensia pacari on the metabolism of mice with obesity induced by a high-fat diet and to verify the phytochemical difference between the Lafoensia pacari bark of the trunk, leaves, and branches. The plant material was collected from April to May in the municipality of Bonito de Minas, MG, Brazil. Qualitative tests for the presence of secondary metabolite classes were performed for leaves, branches and bark of the trunk. Through histological analysis, we evaluated hepatocytes and cell lesions in the liver. The comparative phytochemical analysis of the plant did not reveal alterations between the different plant parts. The phytochemical test showed that is preferable to use the leaves to make the extract to be applied, aiming to reduce the plant aggression. After treatment, greater changes were observed in the animals that received the high-fat diet and the hydroethanolic extract; the levels of AST, ALT, albumin and creatinine that were increased, thus demonstrating a possible toxicity. There were no significant differences in body weight. In the histological analysis, the animals without plant treatment displayed decreased liver weight and reduction in the inflammatory infiltrate. We conclude that Lafoensia pacari should be better evaluated for oral consumption and may cause liver damage.

Protective effects of p-coumaric acid against high-fat diet-induced metabolic dysregulation in mice

p-Coumaric acid (PC), a naturally occurring phytochemical, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however, the mechanisms underlying its protective effects against obesity-related metabolic dysfunction are largely unknown. Here, we treated C57BL/6J mice to a high-fat diet (HFD) with or without PC (10 mg/kg body weight/day) for 16 weeks to determine whether PC ameliorates HFD-induced obesity, insulin resistance, inflammation, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We found no significant differences in food intake and body weight between the groups. However, PC-treated mice showed significantly lower white adipose tissue (WAT) weight, adipocyte size, and plasma leptin level, which were associated with decreased lipogenic enzyme activity and mRNA expression of their genes in the epididymal WAT. Moreover, hepatic lipogenic enzymes activities and expression of their genes and proteins were decreased with concomitant increases in hepatic fatty acid oxidation and mRNA expression of its gene; fecal lipid excretion was significantly increased, resulting in decreased liver weight, hepatic lipid levels, lipid droplet accumulation, and plasma aspartate aminotransferase and lipid levels. Additionally, PC-treated mice showed lower fasting blood glucose, plasma resistin, and MCP-1 levels, HOMA-IR, and mRNA expression of inflammatory genes in the epididymal WAT and liver. Our findings reveal potential mechanisms underlying the action of PC against HFD-induced adiposity, NAFLD, and other metabolic disturbances.

Sub-chronic toxicological evaluation of Strophanthus hispidus DC (Apocynaceae) aqueous root extract.

Strophanthus hispidus DC (Apocynaceae) has gained wide and extensive applications in herbal medicine in Africa for the treatment of quite a lot of diseases. Owing to the extensive application and the propensity of persistent consumption of this shrub, this research investigates the sub-chronic toxicological effect of aqueous root extract of S.hispidus (SHP) in laboratory animals (rats). The rats were allotted into four groups of eight rats each (n=8) and orally treated daily for ninety (90) days with SHP extract at 100, 500 and 1,000mg/kg and the control group received distilled water (10mL/kg). The rats were weighed at 15days interval. After 90days daily oral administration of SHP extract, blood samples were collected from the rats into lithium heparin and EDTA bottles for biochemical and haematological analysis respectively. Vital organs were weighed and histological examination was performed on the liver and kidney. The SHP extract displayed no significant (p>0.05) alterations in body weight of treated compared tocontrol rats. At doses of 500 and 1,000mg/kg, SHP-treated rats showed significant (p<0.05) increase in white blood cell (WBC), without significant difference in other haematological parameters. Non-significant (p>0.05) decrease in urea and non-significant (p>0.05) increase Na+, K+ and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were observed. Significant (p<0.05) decrease in liver weight was observed without any alteration in the architecture of the liver and other organs investigated. Aqueous root extract of S.hispidus demonstrated a good safety profile in rats. Therefore, S.hispidus is harmless and safe following sub-chronic oral administration.

Efficacy of black garlic extract on anti-tumor and anti-oxidant activity enhancement in rats

ObjectiveThe current study aimed to investigate the effect of oral administration of aqueous aged garlic extract (AGE) on the anti-tumor activity of diethylnitrosoamine (DEN)-induced hepatocarcinogenic rats for 7 weeks.MethodsForty-five male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 9) as follows: Groups A (control); B (DEN-group) received a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of DEN and a dose of and Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) two weeks later; C, D, and E received the same carcinogenesis protocol as B plus AGE oral doses 150, 300, and 600 mg/Kg/d, respectively, for 7 weeks. Liver function tests (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (TBIL), and serum and liver glutathione reductase (GR) activity, and serum Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) were measured.ResultsThe present study revealed that administration of AGE doses 300 mg/Kg/d (group D) and 600 mg/Kg/d group (E), for 7 weeks, significantly (p < 0.01) decreased liver weight, relative to that in group B, with significantly decreased (p < 0.01) serum ALT, AST, and TBIL levels. It also showed that AGE improved liver and serum GR activity levels and serum TEAC levels than in group B.ConclusionThis finding suggests that AGE has remarkable hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects in DEN-induced hepatocarcinogenic rats. Further studies are needed to demonstrate effective various doses of AGE in human. The mechanisms underlying the active principle responsible for the anti-tumor activity and need to be elucidated in future studies. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of oral administration of aqueous aged garlic extract (AGE) on the anti-tumor activity of diethylnitrosoamine (DEN)-induced hepatocarcinogenic rats for 7 weeks. Forty-five male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 9) as follows: Groups A (control); B (DEN-group) received a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of DEN and a dose of and Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) two weeks later; C, D, and E received the same carcinogenesis protocol as B plus AGE oral doses 150, 300, and 600 mg/Kg/d, respectively, for 7 weeks. Liver function tests (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (TBIL), and serum and liver glutathione reductase (GR) activity, and serum Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) were measured. The present study revealed that administration of AGE doses 300 mg/Kg/d (group D) and 600 mg/Kg/d group (E), for 7 weeks, significantly (p < 0.01) decreased liver weight, relative to that in group B, with significantly decreased (p < 0.01) serum ALT, AST, and TBIL levels. It also showed that AGE improved liver and serum GR activity levels and serum TEAC levels than in group B. This finding suggests that AGE has remarkable hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects in DEN-induced hepatocarcinogenic rats. Further studies are needed to demonstrate effective various doses of AGE in human. The mechanisms underlying the active principle responsible for the anti-tumor activity and need to be elucidated in future studies.

COMPARISON OF HYDRATED SODIUM CALCIUM ALUMINOSILICATE AND TURMERIC (CURCUMA LONGA) TO AMELIORATE THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF AflATOXIN IN BROILER CHICKS

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the use of curcumin-containing turmeric powder (TP) and hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS) alone or in combination to alleviated aflatoxicosis in broiler chicks. A total of 480 day-old broiler chicks were separated into 8 treatments. Each of the 8 dietary groups was divided into four replicates of 15 chicks each. The first group was fed basal diet and used as control. The other treatments (from 2 to 8 ) were fed the same basal diet and supplied with 0.5% turmeric powder (TP) including 1.48% total curcuminoids (80 mg/kg (80 mg/kg), Hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS) alone (0.5% ), TP (0.5%) plus HSCAS (0.5%), Aflatoxin B1 ( AFB1) alone in the diet (1 mg/kg of diet), AFB1 plus TP (0.5%), AFB1 plus HSCAS (0.5%) and AFB1 plus TP (0.5%) plus HSCAS (0.5%, respectively) for 35 day. The findings showed that the turmeric or HSCAS substantially addition to the AFB1 diet increased feed consumption and body weight and decreased liver weight. Supplementation of turmeric or HSCAS and turmeric with HSCAS reinforced the harmful effects of AFB1 on serum constituents. Furthermore, decreased antioxidant functions and increased serum and liver homogeneous malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations due to AFB1. In conclusion, the combined method to the management of aflatoxicosis in broiler chicks can be considered to be the addition of HSCAS and/or turmeric

Effect of the Human Probiotic Bacterium Escherichia coli Nissle (1917) on performance and immune response of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

ABSTRACT If a human probiotic is beneficial for fish, its incorporation into diets would be much easier to accept. The present work assessed the effect of human probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) on growth, feed conversion and immune response of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Diets with various EcN concentrations were offered to fish for 8 weeks. The fish were also challenged with pathogenic bacteria to assess whether EcN improved immunity. Dietary EcN did not affect survival and growth. Hematology suggests an effect on the immune system but EcN did not improve survival of challenged tilapia. Accordingly, the immune response was probably targeting the EcN itself. A decrease in respiratory burst was probably caused by the iron chelating systems of EcN, while decrease in liver weight was related to intestinal inflammation and stress caused by the EcN. Tilapia appear not to harbor intestinal Escherichia coli even when surrounding water is replete.

Holsteinization results of Russian Black Pied cattle

Holsteinized Russian Black Pied cattle of the Ural type are bred in the Sverdlovsk region, which is represented by large, highly productive animals with a high genetic potential for productivity. The aim of the study was study holsteinization results of Russian Black Pied cattle in one of the pedigree reproducers of the Sverdlovsk region. Over the past 20 years, there have been significant changes in the rearing heifers’ raising intensity; their live weight at the first insemination increased and their age decreased. In terms of live weight at the first insemination, there was an increase from 2006 to 2013 to over 400 kg; then, when switching to early insemination terms, there was a decrease in live weight to 390 kg. The age of first insemination has decreased since 2000 from 20.2 months to 14.4 months in 2018. An inversely proportional dependence of the milk yield of first heifers on the age of the rearing heifers’ first insemination has been established. An increase in milk yield occurs with a decrease in the age of the first insemination and vice versa, an increase in the age of heifers’ first insemination is observed with a decrease in milk yield. Moreover, this also happened when raising both hybrid heifers and heifers of the new Ural type of Holsteinized Russian Black Pied cattle.

Efficacy of nobiletin in improving hypercholesterolemia and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in high-cholesterol diet-fed mice

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESNobiletin (NOB), a citrus flavonoid, is reported to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular and metabolic health. However, there is limited research investigating the effect of long-term supplementation with low-dose NOB on high-cholesterol diet (HCD)-induced hypercholesterolemia and non-obese nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Therefore, we investigated the influence of NOB on hypercholesterolemia and NAFLD in HCD-fed mice.SUBJECTS/METHODSC57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet (ND) or HCD (35 kcal% fat, 1.25% cholesterol, 0.5% cholic acid) with or without NOB (0.02%) for 20 weeks.RESULTSHCD feeding markedly reduced the final body weight compared to ND feeding, with no apparent energy intake differences. NOB supplementation suppressed HCD-induced weight loss without altering energy intake. Moreover, NOB significantly decreased the total cholesterol (TC) levels and the low-density lipoprotein (LDL)/very-LDL-cholesterol to TC ratio, and increased the high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol/TC ratio in plasma, compared to those for HCD feeding alone. The plasma levels of inflammatory and atherosclerosis markers (C-reactive protein, oxidized LDL, interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1) were significantly lower, whereas those of anti-atherogenic adiponectin and paraoxonase were higher in the NOB-supplemented group than in the HCD control group. Furthermore, NOB significantly decreased liver weight, hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride contents, and lipid droplet accumulation by inhibiting messenger RNA expression of hepatic genes and activity levels of cholesterol synthesis-, esterification-, and fatty acid synthesis-associated enzymes, concomitantly enhancing fatty acid oxidation-related gene expression and enzyme activities. Dietary NOB supplementation may protect against hypercholesterolemia and NAFLD via regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism in HCD-fed mice; these effects are associated with the amelioration of inflammation and reductions in the levels of atherosclerosis-associated cardiovascular markers.CONCLUSIONSThe present study suggests that NOB may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of HCD-induced hypercholesterolemia and NAFLD.

Effect of Raphanus sativus (Radish) Leaf Extract and High Doses of Atorvastatin on Body Weight, Liver Weight and Liver/Body Weight Ratio

Background: Obesity is a global health problem. The chances of metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, systemic hypertension, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, and atherosclerosis are increased due to obesity. Objective: (1) To determine effects of high doses of atorvastatin on body weight, liver weight and liver/body weight ratio in albino rabbits. (2) To compare the effect of three increasing doses of ethanolic extract of Raphanus sativus leaf with high doses of atorvastatin on body weight, liver weight and liver/body weight ratio in albino rabbits. Study Design: Experimental study. Settings: Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad Pakistan. Duration: 1 year. Methodology: The ethanolic extract of Raphanus sativus was screened for additional beneficial effects on body weight and liver weight by atorvastatin. Results: The results were compared with normal and experimental control by measuring body weight and liver weight after 28 days. There was a very highly significant reduction in weight in all groups when compared with the negative control group A. when compared to the positive control group B no significant change was observed in group C, D and E. The liver weight decreased when Raphanus sativus was added to atorvastatin and a significant effect was seen in in group E. Conclusion: Atorvastatin in high doses decreased the body weight but the combined use of Raphanus sativus and atorvastatin had no significant effect regarding liver weight addition of Raphanus sativus showed a decrease in weight of liver while an increase was seen with atorvastatin alone.

Kadukkai maathirai (a polyherbal traditional siddha formulation) prevents D-galactosamine induced hepatic necrosis in rats

This study evaluated the prophylactic effect of Kadukkai maathirai in D-galactosamine (D-gal) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. D-galactosamine (D-gal) 400 mg/kg intraperitoneally was used to induce liver damage in rats. To assess the hepatoprotective effect of KM, three different doses of KM (36, 72 and 144 mg/kg body weight) were used. The hepatoprotective effect of KM was compared with standard drug silymarin (50 mg/kg). The biochemical parameters such as AST, ALT, ALP and total bilirubin were estimated. The livers were dissected out to look for histological changes. KM 144 mg/kg and silymarin showed a significant decrease in AST, ALP and total bilirubin. Both KM and silymarin significantly prevented decrease in liver weight. In KM treated groups, the liver did not show necrosis of hepatocytes, and apoptotic bodies with mild to moderate inflammatory infiltrate in the lobules and portal tracts. Hence, the results of this study confirms the hepatoprotective effect KM in rats.